The election results of last week’s special election in NY-26 were 47%-D 43%-R 9%-Tea and 1%-Green. A disappointment for the GOP, of course, that has made the Left gleeful in their gloating over their victory, even going so far as calling it a ‘political earthquake.’ However, in looking at it from afar, it’s natural to see how Republican Jane Corwin lost the race and her loss has more to do with what the Left did—and what the Republicans did not do—than it was an earthquake, tsunami, or wave.

It is true that the Democrats have out-messaged Republicans on the Medicare issue [it is, apparently, far more effective showing grandma being pushed over a cliff than kids eating cat food because the country is broke--grandmas vote and kids don't, after all]. However, there was more to losing NY 26 than mere messaging.

For example, there was the third-party candidate, faux Tea Party guy Jack Davis, that sucked some of the votes from Jane Corwin. However, beyond the messaging and third-party candidate, as is often the case, it was the Left’s ground game left the Right’s in the dust and, quite frankly, it is the ground game that will make or break 2012 for Republican candidates—if the GOP, or individuals who do not want to see America overrun by Marxist union bosses, can learn from the NY-26 loss. (more…)

Democrats are celebrating their victory yesterday in the special election in New York’s 26th congressional district by touting it as a repudiation of House budget committee chair Paul Ryan’s proposal for Medicare reform.

Never mind that, as in NY-23 in 2009,  Democrats needed a three-way race to win. Never mind that, also as in NY-23 in 2009, they needed one of those three candidates to be a second Democrat in disguise.

They’re not just proud of taking a Republican seat; they’re proudly claiming that they have made Medicare reform the “third rail” of American politics, together with Social Security.

Never mind that Ryan’s reforms poll better among seniors than any other age group. Never mind that Ryan’s proposals would not affect anyone over 55 years old–except by making sure Medicare is still there for them by the time they reach their 70s.

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